Tasmanians have embraced the state’s container refund scheme with huge enthusiasm, returning over 30 million containers since the program launched just four months ago.
The Recycle Rewards initiative, which began on May 1, has quickly become the fastest-growing container refund scheme in Australia, generating $3 million in returns for participants across the state.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie praised the community’s response to the program.
“Tasmanians love Recycle Rewards,” Ogilvie said.
“Not only are people recycling more, reducing litter and creating jobs by accessing this scheme, but they’re also benefitting from $3 million in returns.”
Children have emerged as driving forces behind the scheme’s success, with many schools using container returns to fund special projects.
Richmond Primary School recently celebrated the 30 million milestone, with students forming a giant “30” for the occasion. They’re collecting containers to fund a new playground.
Six-year-old William from Richmond Primary School is one of many children participating in the initiative.
“We collect cans and bottles for my school so we can raise money to help build a new playground. Sometimes I get the money and buy icecreams,” William said.
Devonport is leading the state for returns, followed by Claremont and Cove Hill in the south, and Mowbray and Meadow Mews in the north.
Southern Tasmania has returned approximately 14 million containers, with nine million from the North and seven million from the North West.
Aluminium containers make up 62% of returns, followed by plastics at 21% and glass at 15%.
TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley commended Tasmanians for their participation.
“Good on you, Tassie! Thirty million containers returned is an incredible result in four months,” Roughley said.
The scheme operates through more than 40 refund points across Tasmania, offering a 10-cent refund for every eligible container.
Participants can keep their refunds or donate to over 470 registered community groups.
